Are you planning on moving and retiring in Washington DC? That is, without a doubt, a good and viable idea. But before you embark on this journey, you must have all the information and mentally prepare for relocation to the capital of the USA. And after you go over your savings and budget, moving companies DMV can help you start a new chapter of your life in Washinton D.C!
Get to know the basics before retiring in Washington DC
As you already know, Washington D.C. is the country’s capital and one of its most popular destinations. Despite being flooded with tourists, it’s one of the safest places in the USA, simply because it is home to multiple government agencies as well as the FBI headquarters. This means you can’t enter any restaurant, coffee shop, or mall without encountering at least one person working for the military, police, or one of the secret agencies. This can be a pro and a con at the same time, depending on how you look at it. But if you have worked with the government in the past, then this is probably a plus for you. And the safety aspect is always welcome, especially now that you’re about to retire.
Also, keep in mind that the idea of Washington D.C. being just a concrete jungle full of undercover agents is a common misconception. Namely, the city has its fair share of parks, green areas, playgrounds, and outdoor activities to do. Nowadays, you can even find neighborhoods with more greenery than concrete, to be honest. So, if you like what you hear so far, start searching for and make your way there!
The costs of living in Washington D.C
It’s also a common misconception that Washington, D.C., is way too expensive for comfortable living and retirement. While it’s true that the costs of living here are much higher than the national average, moving here after the end of your career might still be worth it. Utilities and groceries are not much more expensive than in the rest of the country, and thanks to great healthcare plans, healthcare can be even cheaper than the national average. Meanwhile, housing is what drives up the cost of living here, with a house on average costing $675,400.
Luckily, renting is way cheaper, and most people hiring DC area movers rent until their situation is good enough to make a down payment and become homeowners. And since you are retiring to Washington, DC, this is the most important part of this story. Ask yourself right from the start: Are you renting or buying? Most of the time, retirees purchase properties because it is a much safer investment now that they are not working anymore. So, this is something you must figure out before relocating to Washington.
Prepare your budget and savings
Knowing more about the cost of living and the forever volatile real estate market, you are ready to go through your finances and prepare an adequate budget. It won’t be easy, for sure, but now is the right time to do it. You must go through your retirement plan, savings, and moving budget as well. Make sure you can afford to hire proper local movers DC as well as to set aside a bit to support yourself throughout the year. You’ll probably need to witness all four seasons in Washington before you can know if this is a place for you or not. All in all, do the math and figure out how much you can invest in housing and move forward with your retirement plan.
How to mentally prepare for retiring in Washington DC
It is completely understandable that this is hard for you. Any relocation is emotional, let alone this one when you are retiring and moving out of the home you spent most of your life in. And as a senior, you probably won’t do it successfully without the support of your family. They are the key players in this story because they can help you organize, pack, and keep you company in these tough times.
So, do not hesitate to talk to them and let them in on this project. If necessary, seek legal counsel as well to handle the legalities, budget, and house hunting. A realtor will come in handy for sure. And for the relocation, find a reliable senior moving team. This way, you’ll have emotional support from all sides, and the physical labor covered as well.
Get ready for moving
Now that you know enough about Washington D.C., and what awaits you there, you should start preparing for the relocation. Firstly, you must figure out what items you are bringing with you and how much furniture you have. Once you place it all on your moving checklist, you’ll have a better insight into the moving costs. But not until you find residential movers Washington DC, and give them a call. They will provide the moving quotes and work with you toward a successful relocation. Luckily, this part will be easier than you think because movers have amazing offers and services for senior citizens.
So, depending on your time and budget, you should decide whether to have movers pack you or do it yourself. Also, we strongly advise decluttering as much as possible before moving. You are retiring in Washington, DC, after all, and you do not want to clutter your new home unnecessarily.
Ok, now you know what retiring in Washington DC looks like and what you must do to prepare physically and mentally for it. The relocation is the easiest part if you have a proper moving team next to you of course. But the real question is – do you see yourself retiring in such an environment? Hopefully, we helped a bit and brought you closer to the answer. If you choose to relocate to Washington, you won’t make a mistake that is for sure!
